Calm last night sailing with 10knts from the west, moving northerly around 5am now motoring. We were greeted by spinner dolphins on our bow at sunset! Sun rose to reveal NZ appearing on the horizon through the chilly mist. Not long to go, hope to be in Opua with a glass of fizz by 10am!

Hairy night as front passed around 1am to 5am, NW winds up to 35knts, surfing down 3m NW swell, torrential rain. Not sure if worst has passed, calmer now 20knts, gusting to 25knts with confused seas. All ok onboard and happy to see the sun come out!

No wind for last 24 hours, motoring slowly so we encounter front at 30S - expecting up to 25kt winds this evening. Hopefully it has weakened. Once this front passes we will head to Opua on the back of light SW winds. That's the plan anyway..!

Another good day of sailing yesterday, we're still hampered a little by the SW swell slowing us down and and wind preventing us from heading directly SW. Hoping it will change to S soon.
Using up the sudden abundance of over ripe bananas with homemade banana bread, all well onboard!

Anchored in Minerva Reef yesterday around lunchtime. Pass was calm and lagoon is deep, caught a 8kg Great Amberjack on our way in! Anchored in 13m, was sunny and calm when we arrived BBQ'd the fish and had a few welcome beers, Today it is a little choppy, contemplating whether to leave today or tomorrow for Opua.

Another day of light winds, currently motor sailing. Everyone getting lots of sleep, calm conditions. Beautiful day again today, looking forward to stopping in Minerva Reef this afternoon eta midday 27nm to run.